Mulching

The best times to mulch are in early summer and late summer / early fall. In early summer the mulch will moderate the effects of the summer's sun and heat on the soil and plant roots. In late summer / early fall the mulch will moderate the effects of winter on the soil and plant roots, and the decomposition of organic mulches during the winter will add nutrients for the spring growing season.

The Village of Bloomingdale offers free mulch to its residents in conjunction with its spring, summer and fall branch collection programs. Please be sure to bring proof of residency along with containers, gloves and a shovel. Call 630-671-5800 for more information.
Proper Mulching Techniques
Mulches are materials placed over the soil surface to maintain moisture and improve soil conditions. Mulching is 1 of the most beneficial things a home owner can do for the health of a tree. Mulch can reduce water loss from the soil, minimize weed competition, and improve soil structure. Properly applied, mulch can give landscapes a handsome, well-groomed appearance. Mulch must be applied properly; if it is too deep or if the wrong material is used, it can actually cause significant harm to trees and other landscape plants.

Benefits of Proper Mulching

Helps maintain soil moisture. Evaporation is reduced, and the need for watering can be minimized.

Helps control weeds. A 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch will reduce the germination and growth of weeds.

Mulch serves as nature's insulating blanket. Mulch keeps soils warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Many types of mulch can improve soil aeration, structure (aggregation of soil particles), and drainage over time.

Some mulches can improve soil fertility.

A layer of mulch can inhibit certain plant diseases.

Mulching around trees helps facilitate maintenance and can reduce the likelihood of damage from "weed whackers" or the dreaded "lawn mower blight."

Mulch can give planting beds a uniform, well-cared-for look.

Urban Environments & Forests Trees growing in a natural forest environment have their roots anchored in a rich, well-aerated soil full of essential nutrients. The soil is blanketed by leaves and organic materials that replenish nutrients and provide an optimal environment for root growth and mineral uptake. Urban landscapes, however, are typically a much harsher environment with poor soils, little organic matter, and large fluctuations in temperature and moisture. Applying a 2 to 4 inch layer of organic mulch can mimic a more natural environment and improve plant health.

Roots The root system of a tree is not a mirror image of the top. The roots of most trees can extend out a significant distance from the tree trunk. Although the guideline for many maintenance practices is the drip line-the outermost extension of the canopy-the roots can grow many times that distance. In addition, most of the fine, absorbing roots are located within inches of the soil surface. These roots, which are essential for taking up water and minerals, require oxygen to survive. A thin layer of mulch, applied as broadly as practical, can improve the soil structure, oxygen levels, temperature, and moisture availability where these roots grow.